Pointer

An Athletic Dog

Active, Companionate, Sporting Group

Pointers are extraordinary pets. While it is interesting to learn about the breeding purpose of Pointers, their genetics actually influence health, outward appearance and behavior. Some behaviors make the Pointer and some can be quite irritating! Understanding her unique needs will help you keep her healthy and will create a stronger bond between the two of you. Explore this page to learn more about where she came, which health conditions are a risk to her and how to keep her feeling her best.

Breed Details

Height:23-28"Weight:45-75 lbLifespan:12-15 years

Size

4

1=small 5=large

Grooming requirements

1

1 = little grooming - 5 = much grooming

Energy level

4

1 = low energy - 5 = high energy

Ease of training

3

1 = difficult - 5 = easy

Affection toward owners

4

1 = independent - 5 = very affectionate

Friendliness toward strangers

Routine Care: She has a short coat and should be kept inside during cold weather. She is a high energy hunting dog, so a fenced yard and leashed walks are a must. She is an excellent hiking or biking companion and she excels at agility, flyball, and obedience events.

Grooming: She has low grooming needs. Brush her coat as needed, at least weekly.

Dental: Pointers often have serious problems with their teeth, so you’ll need to brush them at least three times a week!

Ear Care: Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy. Don’t worry—your veterinarian can show you how!

Pointers are lean and powerful! She can go all day with her seemingly endless source of energy.

Positive Traits:

Excellent family dog, watchdog, and hunting dog

Intelligent and easy to train

Gentle-mannered and easy to get along with

Large, strong, and athletic, with lots of stamina

Good with children

Adaptable to a wide variety of living conditions

Negative Traits:

Requires vigorous, frequent exercise and space to run

Prone to boredom and separation anxiety when left alone and will find trouble

Sees cats and small animals as prey unless trained otherwise

Can be rambunctious and rowdy, especially as a younger dog

May have a tendency to bark excessively

Can be independent and strong-willed

Whether you are considering adding a new Pointer to your family or you already have one as a companion, it is important for you to know about the genetically linked diseases known to occur more often in this breed. Of course not every Pointer will have these problems, but research shows your pal is more at risk than other breeds. By exploring the health concerns specific to the Pointer you will become a knowledgeable and confident pet parent. Be sure to speak with your veterinarian about breed risks every time you visit and educate yourself on the most important symptoms to watch for at home. She’s counting on you to be her health expert.

Dating back to 1650, the Pointer originated in England and was bred to flush out bird game. Today she comes in many colors including white, lemon, orange, liver, and black. Because Pointers were bred for stamina they require vigorous daily exercise. When given enough physical and mental stimulation, she will thrive with any family! The English Pointer is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of 13-14 years.

Consult with your veterinarian if your Pointer shows sings of the following:

Care

Routine Care: She has a short coat and should be kept inside during cold weather. She is a high energy hunting dog, so a fenced yard and leashed walks are a must. She is an excellent hiking or biking companion and she excels at agility, flyball, and obedience events.

Grooming: She has low grooming needs. Brush her coat as needed, at least weekly.

Dental: Pointers often have serious problems with their teeth, so you’ll need to brush them at least three times a week!

Ear Care: Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy. Don’t worry—your veterinarian can show you how!

Characteristics

Pointers are lean and powerful! She can go all day with her seemingly endless source of energy.

Positive Traits:

Excellent family dog, watchdog, and hunting dog

Intelligent and easy to train

Gentle-mannered and easy to get along with

Large, strong, and athletic, with lots of stamina

Good with children

Adaptable to a wide variety of living conditions

Negative Traits:

Requires vigorous, frequent exercise and space to run

Prone to boredom and separation anxiety when left alone and will find trouble

Sees cats and small animals as prey unless trained otherwise

Can be rambunctious and rowdy, especially as a younger dog

May have a tendency to bark excessively

Can be independent and strong-willed

Health Concerns

Whether you are considering adding a new Pointer to your family or you already have one as a companion, it is important for you to know about the genetically linked diseases known to occur more often in this breed. Of course not every Pointer will have these problems, but research shows your pal is more at risk than other breeds. By exploring the health concerns specific to the Pointer you will become a knowledgeable and confident pet parent. Be sure to speak with your veterinarian about breed risks every time you visit and educate yourself on the most important symptoms to watch for at home. She’s counting on you to be her health expert.

History

Dating back to 1650, the Pointer originated in England and was bred to flush out bird game. Today she comes in many colors including white, lemon, orange, liver, and black. Because Pointers were bred for stamina they require vigorous daily exercise. When given enough physical and mental stimulation, she will thrive with any family! The English Pointer is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of 13-14 years.

Watch Out For

Consult with your veterinarian if your Pointer shows sings of the following:

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